Peru’s parliament voted on Wednesday to impeach President Pedro Castillo. Shortly before that, Castillo tried to prevent that vote by dissolving parliament. The now deposed president was arrested shortly after the vote for “rebellion”.
Castillo announced in a televised speech Wednesday afternoon (local time) that he wanted to dissolve parliament. He wanted to form an emergency government, after which new elections would follow. Castillo also announced a curfew.
His decision was immediately met with much criticism. The question arose whether he should be allowed to dissolve parliament. There was talk of a coup and several ministers resigned.
Castillo’s decision could not prevent a vote on the president’s impeachment. The Parliament voted in favor with 110 votes. Ten MPs voted against and six abstained.
The country’s national police tweeted photos shortly after the vote showing the former president handcuffed.
Castillo’s supporters took to the streets in the capital Lima in protest. Outside the building where the former president is being held, the police fired tear gas. Protesters also blocked several streets in the city.
Castillo accused of “moral impotence”
Parliament deemed Castillo “morally incompetent” and therefore unfit to lead the country. Since 2018, two presidents have been fired for similar moral incompetence.
Vice-President Dina Boluarte is Castillo’s new successor. You were named interim president around 4:00 p.m.
Castillo, a former teacher, unexpectedly won elections in Peru in 2021. Since taking office, the country has faced crises such as government changes, corruption investigations and protests against his leadership.
